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Children's Club Established Accessory Lines Present at January Show Here are some of the standout established lines that showed at the January Children's Club (7-9, 2007).
GOGOGEAR Sensible, fun, hip, sturdy book/travel bags for "overloaded" children. Designer: Katharine Marinaro Ages: Up to 5th grade (10 years old) Wholesale: $65 Standouts: Their smartly designed 'trendy' bags on wheels in eye catching colors and patterns (like the green 'retro' and 60's psychedelic print). Made of canvas or high tech PV material, they are also equipped with speakers and IPod holders.
FYI: Katharine's husband is a chiropractor and his goal is to save everyone's backs. As parents, they came to realize that heavy backpacks were potentially injurious to the backs of school children; this inspired them to create something less harmful. And thankfully, they haven't forgotten the grownups: "GoGo Voyage" is a fashionable line of rolling travel bags for the executive woman. Tel: 310-589-2898 E-Mail: Katharine@gogogeargoods.com
HIGH INTENCITY JEWELRY/CHARM IT! Size: Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, Preteen Wholesale: $8 to $16 Charm It! is High IntenCity's "interchangeable, tradable, and totally customizable charm system" proving it's truly a 'charmed' life. Standouts: Brand new this season Room Charms (4-inches and decorated with Swarovski crystals, they enable little girls to personalize their rooms); "High School Musical" bracelets and necklaces; forever popular 'Jewels Girls Love to Wear' collection of chokers and matching bracelets (beaded jewelry on memory wire).
FYI: With over 1500 pewter, crystal, and enamel charms (and a never ending array of new products), girls have endless and exciting options. There are Charm It! earrings, anklets, watches, picture frames, denim bags, notebooks, pens, shoes, etc. The company's motto is, "Jewels Girls Love to Wear." Tel: 201-703-5010 E-mail: info@highintencity.com
ANDREA'S BEAU High quality, hand made, classic yet whimsical accessories for girls. Designer: Andrea Chafetz Wholesale: $3-$22 Age: Toddler, girls 4-6x, girls 7-14 Standouts: The very wide headbands (some of which are made from jute or traditional French ribbon and eyelet); the pinch clip gift sets which are available in packs of 3 or 5: they come in a matching holder which is both practical and pretty (they can double as a room decoration).
FYI: According to her website, Andrea's designs "are inspired by her love of gardens, ballet costumes, and deliciously decorated cakes." The mother of two started her business in 1986 when she became a first time mom and wanted to create things for her daughter. They consider themselves to be an "alternative to the common grosgrain bow" and are proud to say that "if you care about quality you come here." Tel: 202-966-7004 E-mail: info@andreasbeau.com
TEENY TINY OPTICS Upscale whimsical sunglasses collection for children which mixes form and function (it places an emphasis on providing serious protection for young eyes). Designer: Alice Lando Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, Boys 4-7, Boys 8-20 Wholesale: $2.75 - $7 Standouts: The sporty aviators; the whimsically patterned frames (featuring bright colors, tie dyes, plaids, polka dots, patterned gingham checks); the skull and crossbones frames.
FYI: The collection is a perfect mix of form and function. In addition to looking great, all the glasses feature soft temples made of rubber which help reap the benefits of UVA and UVB protection. Ms. Lando originally gravitated to designing for children because she "always liked miniatures." She now uses her daughter, Jacqueline, as a model. Tel: 415-383-8469; 888-833-6984 E-Mail: alice@teenytinyoptics.com
WALLFLOWER BY FAIGIE AND FAIGIE APPAREL A line of whimsical, hand crafted and unique hair accessories, jewelry, hats, and tees. Designer: Faigie Brecher Sizes: Layette, Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, PreTeen, Boys 4-7 Wholesale: $3 - $75 Standouts: The "unique" cased wide stretch headbands (which come in a wide variety of characters); fun and colorful doll pins (which can also double as hair clips); the cotton crochet hats which can double as a little bag; the brand new line of limited edition, educational Faigie Art Tees which are emblazoned with replicas of iconic artwork from legendary painters (Leonardo Da Vinci, Mary Cassatt, Paul Cezanne, etc.) There are 10 so far and more will be coming in the future.
FYI: The company launched in 2000 and it's truly a family affair. Faigie and her husband (who was originally in hedge funds and now has a major role in the company) have five adorable young children (two girls and three boys) and Faigie is proud to tell you that her daughters are her best advertisements. She is also proud to say that 5% of all sales go to "Kids Kicking Cancer". Tel: 973-472-9473 E-Mail: faigie@faigie.com
L'AMOUR SHOES A division of Im-Link Corp., they offer a large assortment of footwear for boys and girls that ranges from the classic and basic to the more ornamental and whimsical. Designer: Cindy Fong Size: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Boys 4-7 Wholesale: $15-$17 Standouts: The patent leather clogs with heart appliqués available in 4 colors; the leather Mary Janes which feature a soft sole, Velcro strap and leather lining; the baby boys' suede sneaker with Velcro closure and flexible sole.
FYI: Cindy Lau, the designer and founder of this 17-year-old company, is the mother of a boy and girl and studied applied mathematics at Berkeley. Tel: 510-489-2681 / 800-875-3389 E-mail: mail@im-link.com
PLUIE PLUIE A division of Im-Link Corp., they specialize in European designed 100% cotton coated whimsically patterned rainwear. Pluie Pluie means "rain, rain" in French and these pieces are so irresistible, you and your little ones will definitely not be singing, "Rain, rain, go away". Designer: Cindy Fong Size: 1-8 years Wholesale: $8.95- $19.88 Standouts: The rain coat, rain hat, rain boots, and umbrella in a coordinating floral, polka dot, stripe, frog print.
FYI: The rainwear is cotton lined with a thin polyurethane coating which makes it light and soft and the outerwear is designed with a roomy cut for added comfort and ease. Though the sizes are generally from age 1 to 8 years, the coordinating rain ponchos can accommodate 6 to 12 months. Tel: 510-489-2681/ 800-875-3389 E-Mail: pluiepluie.mail@gmail.com
TERRA TRADITIONS A line of hand gilded photo albums, writing journals, guest books and T-shirts featuring original, vintage, old antique artwork. Designer: Helena Honovich Retail: $20-$120 Standouts: The series featuring the artwork of young Pamela Bianco (dating back to 1905, the artist died at the age of 12); the gold hand gilded photo albums.
FYI: Helena's husband is a co-designer in the 10-year-old company and there are currently about 10 different products in the collection; everything is made in an 'Italian artisan' studio in Los Angeles. Tel: 323-954-1404 E-Mail: Helena@terratraditions.com
TOP TRENZ / UNDEE BANDZ Trend oriented accessories collection for girls that is unabashedly "on the cutting edge of the next big thing." Designers: Corey Glassberg, Jamie Glassberg Ages: 7-15 Wholesale: $2-$18 Standouts: 'Crystal Trenz' bracelets; adjustable 'Nylonz' chokers and bracelets; brand new 'Undee Bandz' Dog Tags; tie dye bags, hoodies, sweatshirts, tights; shiny, colorful, and glittery cell phone holders, watches, etc.
FYI: Corey and Jamie are 'twenty-something' brothers, who started with headbands made from boys' elastic underwear (hence, the name of the company), and have just added an infant line. They try to be as creative as possible; they are proud to say they are a "one-stop shop for accessories" and have received much press for their products. Their motto is, "Always one step ahead of the game!" Tel: 631-254-8499 E-Mail: toptrenz@aol.com
BUMBLE BAGS A line of sweet, retro printed and patterned diaper bags and car seat covers. Designer: Jennie Lynn Johanson Wholesale: $24-$64 Standouts: The retro swirl 'Pink Pucci' print; the blue latte print; 'Rosie' stripe; the stain and water resistant 'Jessica Bag' which comes with stroller straps, a fully detachable change pad, loads of pockets, and can be sprayed and wiped clean. It can also be used as a backpack so it's very versatile.
FYI: The 'Jessica Bag'‚ is their best seller and is named after Jennie's husband's cousin. Jennie designs her own prints and studied fashion and textile. She was also a manager at Nordstrom's so she knows merchandising. Her husband is an anesthesiologist who is also Creative Director of the company (talk about 'All in the Family'). Tel: 626-934-8600 E-Mail: info@bumblebags.com
HAPPY BABY BAG Playful, high quality, interactive, music-based baby accessories, gift Items. Wholesale: $10 Ages: 0 and up Standouts: The Beatles' "Let it Be"; James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James" which are number 1 and 2 in terms of popularity.
FYI: Each bag contains a plush hand puppet and a full length CD with a gentle tune that's selected for ensuring baby's happiness and feeling of security. There are currently 14 different characters available. They make the perfect gift for a new parent or grandparent, baby shower, or birthday. Tel: 212-580-0509 E-Mail: info@rockcandymusic.net
PEA SOUP Custom designed and manufactured accessories for girls and boys. Designers: Marcy Cohen, Lori Rockoff Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Boys, Girls Wholesale: $3-$4 Standouts: The colorful felt daisies, pansies and Lungevity Rose; the oversized 'Gerber Daisy'; the crochet sports themed baseball caps and socks for little boys (especially when you consider that there are not a lot of cute socks out there for little boys); the brand new clip sets (which consist of 3 embellished enamel clips in a set); the grosgrain bows decorated with retro‚ polka dots, toile de jouey, bandanas, and hearts.
FYI: Pea Soup donates a portion (70%) of all proceeds for the Lungevity Rose hair clips and ponytail holders to the Lungevity Foundation (www.lungevity.org) the only group in the U.S. that is dedicated to funding lung cancer research. Tel: 847-317-9770 E-Mail: info@peasoupaccessories.com
FINGERPRINTS Classic hand knits and coordinated accessories for infants and children. Designer: Susan Skeels Sizes: 0-6X Wholesale: $7-$22 Standouts: the Irish fisherman knit hooded sweater and matching pom pom tam which is available in a variety of irresistible pastels; the fully lined white waffle knit poly/cotton mini 'spa' robe.
FYI: The 25-year-old company is best known for their classic hand knit sweaters and the robes are brand new this season. They have been so well received that Susan plans to add adult sizes in the future. Tel: 845-268-3527 Email: fgrpts@aol.com
LUXE BABY BY LIL' RAGS Soft, silky and plush blankets and accessories. Designer: Patriza Murillo Wholesale: $19 and up Sizes: Layette, Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Boys 4-7 Standouts: The brand new silk screened onesies emblazoned with slogans like "Rock N‚ Roll", "True Love", "Rodeo"; the printed waddling blankets (giraffe, penguin, leopard, skull and crossbones); limited edition hand crafted cradles.
FYI: The onesies are cotton knit lined with cotton modal which makes them super soft; in 2005, Luxe Baby donated over 100 infant garments to Angelina Jolie for her global, humanitarian efforts. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Ripa, and Jennifer Garner are among the celebrity moms who have "welcomed their first baby" with Luxe Baby by Lil' Rags. Tel: 323-293-4612 E-Mail: patylumurillo@yahoo.com
SHAW CREATIONS A collection of colorful, fun, and whimsical coordinated rainwear for children which is designed for safety and longevity. Wholesale: $2.30-$4.50 Sizes: 4 years and up Standouts: The umbrellas and matching nylon ponchos which feature a wide variety of Disney characters (Princess and Tinkerbell, Beauty and the Beast).
FYI: The umbrellas feature sculpted handles, no pinch runners, safety tips, and end caps which are made with children's safety in mind. The company began making umbrellas for grownups and later added the children's line. Tel: 800-724-6626, Ext. 1944 E-Mail: drshaw@shawcreations.com
BABY GAGS An 'irreverent' line of baby apparel and accessories which is sure to put a smile on your face. (They sure made many show attendees smile, as they strolled past the entertaining merchandise in the booth.) Designer: Shelley Foster Wholesale: $3-$10 Sizes: Infant, Toddler Standouts: The T-shirts, onesies, and skull caps printed with comical wordplay slogans like "Make Babes Not Bombs", "To Pee, or not to pee", "Poolice", "Thinking Cap"; the baby sport bottles and sippy mug emblazoned with words like "Screamer", "Rock Star", "Milk Junkie", "Boob Man", etc.
FYI: Shelley started the company five years ago "as a gag" when she could not find anything "cool" on the market for her nephews. The line began with tees and skull caps and she adds something new each season (this time it's the socks). A portion of the profit of every item is donated to a specific charity. Tel: 415-615-0397 E-Mail: info@babygags.com
HIP HOP HOSIERY & DESIGNS A line of accessories and clothing for boys and girls with an emphasis on formal wear and special occasion wear. Designer: Hanna Hong Sizes: Infant, Toddler, Girls 4-6X, Girls 7-14, Boys 4-7, Boys 8-20 Wholesale: contact manufacturer Standouts: The elaborately decorated socks - black, ivory or white socks with exquisite lace trim; ivory or white socks trimmed with sheer organza ruffles in a variety of color combinations.
FYI: Hanna is the founder and designer and she and her husband, Harry, have been in business since 1983. In addition to a wide variety of socks, they also have a line of special occasion gloves (in different lengths and fabrications), delicate jewelry, and diamante tiaras. Tel: 800-331-7555; 562-401-4181 E-Mail: hiphopsocks@aol.com
SALVOR A unique collection of bibs, T-shirts, one-pieces, and pillows hand screened with sepia toned vintage images in an irresistible assortment of animals, birds, and wildlife (including dogs, cats, falcons, owls, leopards, squirrels, bears, gorillas, zebras, wolves, deer, eagles). Designer: Ross Menuez Wholesale: $18 - $60 Standouts: The owl and the brand new (in fact, new the week of the show) horse which like all the other images, are 100% organic, silk screened onto T-shirts, onesies, and pillows.
FYI: Ross Menuez describes his work as "hitting this magic place halfway between man and nature" and cites Buckminster Fuller, Joseph Beuys, Enzo Mari, and Bruno Munari (the latter two are architects) as sources of inspiration. He has a varied background which includes industrial and product design (he designed many items for Conrans in London). The name 'Salvor' is Icelandic and is the middle name of his daughter (mom is Icelandic). He will soon be launching a handbag line consisting of slouchy and unconstructed shoulder bags in patterned suede. They will retail for about $700 and will be sold at Barneys New York among other high end shops. Tel: 800-783-5683 Email: kip@areaware.com
Originally published January 31, 2007
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